The home heating oil industry has a long and proud history, and Fuel Oil News has been there supporting it since 1935. It is an industry that has faced many challenges during that time. In its 77th year, Fuel Oil News is doing more than just holding
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News & Trends OESP's New Website The new website for the Oil and Energy Service Professionals association is up and running. OESP has worked hard to integrate the association's software with the new site. They are still working out the kinks to make the site more userfriendly. One area that has made significant progress is the Corporate Directory at www.thinkoesp.org - it is a searchable database and allows those members the opportunity to mention their product(s). On the member side that same opportunity is available. Also on the site is plenty of information on the 2014 Roadshows. OESP says shortly a directory by location - Taco Celebrates Ten Years of Taco 00 Variable Speed Circulators Taco's celebrating! Ten years ago, the company introduced their first variable speed 00 pump – the 00-VS Variable Speed Circulator – a big step toward defining the firm's role as a leader in variable speed pumping and Delta-T system control. The "OO-VS" circs, still sold today, were the first in Taco's growing line of energyefficient variable speed pumps that now includes the Bumble Bee and Viridian. On November 18, wholesalers and manufacturer's reps across the country marked the 10th birthday of Taco's Variable Speed 00 Circulators. Of course, that meant party hats, birthday cakes and a chance to win one of 9 Limited Edition 00-VS Circulators signed by Taco's owner Johnny White. Register to win yours today at Taco's website. One of the Limited Edition 00-VS Circulators will also be auctioned off in the continuing effort to help those affected by super storm Sandy. Bid high and often for this one-of-a-kind pump on the Taco website. Contractors were encouraged to visit their favorite Taco supplier on November 18 to register to win and enjoy some cake. Meanwhile, Taco's 500+ employees marked the occasion at their Cranston, RI manufacturing plant with cake and an enthusiastically-sung "Happy Birthday." Winners will be drawn at random and 10 Mohegan Sun and Gettysburg - will be added and it will show all of the supporters of its events - manufacturers and suppliers of HVAC services and products. To gain access to the secure side of the site, OESP needs to give access via a special e-mail generated from the software. Next, follow the instructions, set a password and once inside the member section, check-out your member profile where you can include a photo and update/add information. You can also pay your 2014 invoice online. OESP urges everyone to enjoy the new site and to mark your calendar for the 2014 Roadshows - May 12-13 and September 22-23rd. notified by email. Visit www.taco-hvac.com/ flopro for complete details. Independent Technologies, Inc. Expands WESROC Operations Independent Technologies, Inc. (New London, Minn.), a leading design and manufacturing company of customized communication products announced that they have opened an additional WESROC manufacturing facility in Paynesville, Minn. This is in addition to the manufacturing facility opened earlier this year in De Smet, SD. "Our very popular WESROC Remote Monitoring Systems have experienced wide spread acceptance, especially our new battery operated Satellite Unit and our Cellular Monitors. WESROC has the ability to monitor propane, diesel, gasoline, fuel oil and other refined fuels and it has far exceeded our manufacturing forecast. We're excited about the need to expand in order to meet our customer's expectations," said President and CEO Daryl Ingalsbe. Shelton Group Survey: Homeowners Are Missing the Link between Energy Efficiency & Home Value The study, conducted by Shelton Group, shows that 26 percent of Americans say they prioritize energy-efficient home improvements over aesthetic ones, yet projects planned for the near future indicate higher propensity for remodeling kitchens and baths than for DECEMBER 2013 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www.fueloilnews.com energy efficiency improvements like adding insulation or replacing HVAC units. "We know the housing crisis has made homeowners sensitive to impacts on home values. One of the biggest barriers to making energy-efficient upgrades is a perception that it's just not worth it – that the investment will not result in higher resale value for your home," said Suzanne Shelton, president and CEO of Shelton Group. "Yet Americans are sold on the idea that kitchen and bath remodels allow them to command a higher price. The challenge is convincing Americans that the same is true of energy-efficient upgrades." The national survey, Shelton's ninth annual Energy PulseTM study, also found that 81 percent of those surveyed said energy efficiency would have somewhat to very much impact on their selection decision when comparing two homes. Additionally, a recent UC Berkeley/UCLA study of 1.6 million home transactions found that green labeling improved selling price. Controlling for all other factors, such as location, school district, crime rate, time period of sale, views and amenities, researchers found that the 4,321 homes sold with ENERGY STAR®, LEED® or GreenPoint rated labels commanded an average price premium of 9 percent. "Most homebuyers expect to make improvements, but they want to spend their money on 'sexy' improvements like paint and new countertops," said Shelton. "They do not want to upgrade the HVAC, add